Driffield Councillors fight moves to Govern East Riding from Leeds

The Government is pushing more and more powers out to the Regional Assemblies so that decisions affecting your day to day life can be made at a regional level.

 

What this means to you, is that in a future development proposal for a piece of land near you, the decision on whether or not it is allowed may be made in a far off regional planning office. So your ability to express your local point of view will be reduced, possibly totally ignored.

 

Why does this matter? Well it’s just one more example of how under Regional Government you will be less able to have your say in your future and your life.

 

Driffield and Rural Councillors echoed these concerns at a recent meeting.

 

Cllr. Symon Fraser stated, “ At a recent regional forum meeting I was shocked to learn that the East Riding wasn’t even represented on a committee looking at coastal and rural planning issues, it really brought the dangers of remote regional authority home to me.  We have a massive and vulnerable coastline and endangered rural areas so we must be allowed an input.”

 

Cllr Temple added, “Our position has not changed.  We see nothing but danger in the moves to regionalise the planning process.   The Conventional Wisdom that devolution to the regions will give local people more say in local matters is a total fallacy.  Power will just be moved to West Yorkshire from Westminster.   Will they be any more interested in us?   We have aired our concerns in the papers before now but seriously urge people to examine the various hidden agendas.”

 

Jonathan Owen commented, “ The Government's rush to regional authority is something I view with great concern.  Whilst they say they are the listening Government they are moving their ears further and further from local people, making it more difficult for a local view to be heard.”

 

The Conservative Group at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council have been consistent in their response to these moves and have taken this issue up with local MPs. They will continue to fight to give you the greatest possible say in local matters.